Marta Kostyuk defeated fellow Ukrainian Veronika Podrez 6-3, 6-4 to win the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole WTA 250 title. The top seed claimed her second WTA singles title and first in over three years, marking the first all-Ukrainian WTA final. Tears flowed as she dedicated the victory to her coach Sandra Zaniewska.
Kostyuk, the tournament's top seed, prevailed in 1 hour and 21 minutes on Sunday in Rouen, France. Podrez, a 19-year-old qualifier in her tour-level debut, reached her first WTA final but fell short. When Podrez's final shot went wide, Kostyuk dropped to her knees in overwhelming emotion before lifting the trophy. The victory ends a three-year wait for Kostyuk since her 2023 ATX Open title. She had faced setbacks, including a torn ligament in her left ankle at the Australian Open and early exits at Indian Wells and Miami. During the trophy ceremony, Kostyuk fought back tears while addressing the crowd. > I’m trying not to be emotional, sorry. I want to thank my coach. This is our first title together. I want to dedicate it to you. We’ve been through so much together through very difficult moments, through beautiful moments, so I’m really thankful for your patience, for your dedication, and everything you’ve poured into me this past 3 years. This title is for you. Thank you. She highlighted the historic significance of the matchup. > This match today was not just a match. It was a historical moment for Ukrainian tennis. First time two Ukrainians are playing in the final. Kostyuk expressed hope that the final would inspire more Ukrainian children to take up the sport, noting five top-100 players from the country.
